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Minors homer leader Kivlehan stays hot in Lancaster

2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Patrick Kivlehan has the tools to be a run-producing third baseman with the ability to hit for average

By Teddy Cahill
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MLB.com |

Patrick Kivlehan may never want to leave Lancaster, Calif. For the second consecutive night, he hit two home runs and Class A Advanced High Desert defeated Lancaster, 9-0.

Kivlehan, the Mariners' No. 19 prospect, went 2-for-5 and drove in three runs. He now leads the Minor Leagues with seven home runs.

Third baseman D.J. Peterson, the Mariners' No. 2 prospect and No. 86 overall, went 2-for-5 with a run.

Lancaster's park, the Hanger, is known as one of the most hitter-friendly stadiums in baseball. It is located well above sea level, and a stiff wind is often blowing out. Since reaching High Desert last summer, Kivlehan has played eight games at Lancaster. He is 16-for-33 with six home runs at The Hanger.

But Kivlehan's home park, Stater Bros. Stadium, is a hitter-friendly park as well. Several studies have shown it is one of the best environments for hitters in the Minor Leagues, even better than Lancaster. So maybe going home won't be so hard after all.

Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.